"Vacation" or "Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation" this Weekend? See My Pick of the Week!

Friday, July 31, 2015, 02:40 PMPosted by Manny

Two big sequels for you this weekend namely “Vacation” and “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation.” In “Vacation,” Ed Helms steps into the role of Rusty Griswold, all grown-up with a dysfunctional family of his own. And he wants to take his wife (Christina Applegate) and two kids (the meek and mild James and the vulgar and funny Kevin) to the place where it all began, Walley World!

In “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation,” Tom Cruise returns to the role of Ethan Hunt but this time, he must face the Syndicate and its rogue agents and skilled assassins. This one’s directed by Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie (wrote “The Usual Suspects,” worked with Cruise in “Jack Reacher”).

So which one is my pick of the week? Take a look!

Official “Vacation” Synopsis:

Ed Helms stars in the New Line Cinema reboot of the Vacation film series as Rusty Griswald, the son of Chevy Chase's iconic character of the original four films. Horrible Bosses' helmers John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein write and direct. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Official “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation” Synopsis:

With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.

"Pixels," "Southpaw," or "Paper Towns?" Which One Are You Seeing This Weekend?

Friday, July 24, 2015, 02:11 PMPosted by Manny

Three big movies for you this weekend! First, we have “Pixels!” Yup, another Adam Sandler movie! Is this on par (ahem) with other Sandler films, or can this jumpstart the comedian’s almost “game over” career? We also have “Southpaw” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. This boxing drama is from “Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua. Gyllenhaal famously buffed up for his role as boxer Billy Hope. And then we have a new movie based on a work from "The Fault in Our Stars" author, John Green, called "Paper Towns."

It’s being called the next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but is “Ant-Man” worth your time and money? To be honest, I was a bit nervous when Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” “The World’s End”) left production using the good old “creative differences” excuse. And then, Peyton Reed, the guy who gave us “Bring It On” (memorable) and “The Break-Up” (forgettable), entered the picture which made me more nervous. And then I saw Paul Rudd in it…

Here’s the official synopsis of “Ant-Man”

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man." Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. -- (C) Marvel

Minions attack theaters near you and they are ready to dominate the world BUT, is their movie worth seeing? See my movie review of “Minions” below:

Here’s the official “Minions” synopsis:

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters-from T. rex to Napoleon-the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he-alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob-ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award (R) winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation. (c) Universal

But after teasing us, “Magic Mike XXL” is finally here! But is it as good as the first? Channing Tatum returns, as well as Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, and Gabriel Iglesias. Original director Steven Soderbergh chose not to helm and gave the reins to Gregory Jacobs. See if the sequel is hotter, bigger, and better than the first!

Here’s the official “Magic Mike XXL” synopsis:

Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, "Magic Mike XXL" finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways. (C) Warner Bros